Services Directive

Services Directive

The objective of the Services Directive is to realise the full potential of services markets in Europe by removing legal and administrative barriers to trade. The simplification measures introduced by the Directive have increased transparency and made it easier for businesses and consumers to provide or use services in the Single Market. The Directive was adopted in 2006 and implemented by all EU countries in 2009. The European Commission is now working with EU countries to further improve the Single Market for services.

Benefits for businesses and consumers

The Services Directive (Directive 2006/123/EC) brings many benefits to businesses and consumers providing or using services in the EU.

Businesses benefit from:

easier establishment

easier provision of cross-border services

simplified procedures and formalities

Customers benefit from:

strengthened rights of consumers and businesses receiving services

higher quality of services

enhanced information and transparency on service providers

Services Directive in practice

Points of Single Contact - the Points of Single Contact are one-stop-shops for service providers to get information and complete administrative formalities online in all EU countries

Rights of recipients of services – the Directive strengthens the rights of consumers and business receiving services in the EU

Administrative cooperation - EU countries have to cooperate with each other and give mutual assistance in the supervision of service providers

Quick guide – sums up the basic information on the Services Directive.